Hey there,
My wife and I are planning a trip to Yunnan soon, focusing on Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali. Can you suggest a great itinerary for a couple? We're looking for recommendations on transport, hotels, and food. Thanks so much!
Hey,
That sounds like a wonderful trip! Yunnan is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich provinces in China, and Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali are perfect places for a couple's getaway. Here's a suggested itinerary with transport, hotel, and meal recommendations for your trip:
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
- Transport: Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport.
- Hotel: Check into a nice hotel like The Grand Park Kunming (central, great amenities) or InterContinental Kunming (luxury with stunning views).
- Meals: Try "Crossing the Bridge Noodles" at Lao Fangzi, a famous local spot. For dinner, you can head to Dongfeng West Road for a more casual vibe and delicious Yunnan-style BBQ.
- Evening Activity: Stroll through Green Lake Park or check out Kunming's Flowers and Birds Market for a relaxed evening.
Day 2: Kunming – Explore the City
- Morning: Visit Stone Forest (about 1.5 hrs outside Kunming). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique limestone formations.
- Lunch: Eat in the Stone Forest area or head back to Kunming for lunch at Yunnan Provincial Museum (great local dishes).
- Afternoon: Visit Kunming’s Western Hills, and take a boat ride on Dianchi Lake.
- Dinner: Try some Yunnan hot pot or Mushroom hotpot, which the region is famous for.
Day 3: Kunming to Lijiang
- Transport: Take a high-speed train or a short flight (about 1 hr) to Lijiang.
- Hotel: Book a stay in a cozy boutique hotel like The Bivou Lijiang or Lijiang Jade Garden Hotel. Staying in a hotel with traditional Naxi architecture adds to the experience.
- Meals: In the old town, try Naxi-style BBQ and Lijiang noodles for lunch. For dinner, The Noble House offers a mix of local and Western flavors with a beautiful view.
Day 4: Explore Lijiang
- Morning: Visit the Old Town of Lijiang (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), wander through the cobbled streets, and stop at Black Dragon Pool for some scenic views.
- Lunch: Go for some local food like Lijiang yak meat at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Head up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (you can take a cable car up to the glacier), and don’t miss the Blue Moon Valley for more breathtaking views.
- Evening: Explore the nightlife in Lijiang’s Old Town, with its charming bars and live music.
Day 5: Lijiang to Dali
- Transport: Take a bus or train (around 2-3 hrs) to Dali.
- Hotel: Stay at places like The Linden Centre (a luxurious boutique hotel) or Dali Ancient Town Hotel, which is close to all the main attractions.
- Meals: Try Dali’s fresh fish and Smoked Beef. For dinner, Café de la Poste is a cozy spot with delicious Western and Yunnanese food.
Day 6: Explore Dali
- Morning: Visit Erhai Lake and take a boat tour. You can also rent a bike and ride along the lake for a more adventurous experience.
- Lunch: Stop at a lakeside café and enjoy local specialties like Erhai Fish.
- Afternoon: Head to Dali Old Town to explore its ancient architecture and local markets. Don’t miss Three Pagodas—a symbol of Dali.
- Evening: Enjoy a peaceful sunset at Cangshan Mountain, or relax at a lakeside café.
Day 7: Dali to Kunming (Departure)
- Transport: Take a bus or train back to Kunming (around 4-5 hrs), depending on your flight schedule.
- Meals: Grab a last meal in Kunming before heading to the airport. You can try some Yunnan-style rice noodles at a local noodle shop.
General Transport Tips:
- Trains and Flights: The high-speed trains are comfortable and quick, especially for trips between Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali. Flights are also available between these cities if you’re short on time.
- Local Transport: Taxis or private cars are great for getting around, but be mindful that Dali and Lijiang Old Towns are best explored on foot.
Hotels:
- For a more luxurious stay, consider booking at hotels like InterContinental Kunming or The Bivou Lijiang.
- For a more boutique experience, Lijiang Jade Garden Hotel and The Linden Centre in Dali offer cozy, unique accommodations with local charm.
Meals:
- Yunnan cuisine is diverse—don’t miss out on hot pot, mushrooms, crossing the bridge noodles, and local yak meat. Each city has its own local specialties.
This itinerary should give you a great balance of exploring nature, culture, and food while making sure you have enough time to relax. Let me know if you need any more info or help with bookings!